James
M.
Ash

Jim leads Husch Blackwell’s Food & Agribusiness industry team. His legal knowledge has guided some of the world’s most visible food and agriculture companies, along with their investors and financers. Jim’s first exposure to agribusiness came growing up in a California farming community. He also worked as a plant manager for the citrus cooperative Sunkist, where he accumulated additional perspective on the food industry. A frequent speaker on corporate governance, securities law issues, and mergers and acquisitions, Jim is a former member of Husch Blackwell’s Executive Board.

Jim’s engagements in the agribusiness industry cover a range of issues, including mergers and acquisitions, international expansion, governance, securities and various general corporate matters. He twice was asked to serve as interim general counsel to a Fortune 1000 company and understands his clients’ operations with an insider’s perspective. His food and agribusiness projects have included:

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Experience

Outside general counsel for Triumph Foods LLC, a top pork processor in the United States.

Represented world-leading chocolatier Russell Stover Candies, Inc., in its sale to Lindt & Sprüngli AG. The transaction spanned two continents, included multiple manufacturing and retail facilities, involved significant U.S. and international tax planning, and included key anti-trust approvals.

Represented Applebee’s International Inc. in its acquisition by IHOP Corp. In connection with this transaction, Applebee’s entered into a securitization transaction with respect to its U.S. franchise agreements, U.S. company-owned restaurants and U.S. intellectual property rights.

Counsel for American Italian Pasta Co. in its merger with Ralcorp Holdings Inc. Negotiated merger agreement, prepared tender offer documents and all public company filings, and advised board of directors on all aspects of sale.

Represented Monterey Gourmet Foods Inc. as it was acquired by Korean company Pulmuone Holdings Co. The $50 million transaction was structured as a tender offer followed by a short-form merger.